Beach House

Bloom

Baltimore duo Beach House are the very definition of subtle: Victoria Legrand’s ethereal, breathy wail floats above organ-and-keyboard-embroidered indie pop which burns slowly, not brightly. Their fourth album, Bloom, doesn’t possess as many memorable hooks (or as many well-defined song structures) as their last album, 2010’s Teen Dream. As a result, the record tends to fade into the background and become something so indistinct that it’s forgettable, even after multiple listens. Bloom’s lack of memorable moments is frustrating, because few bands are able to craft such achingly beautiful music. Tragic piano, keening guitar and a Nico-like performance from Legrand lends “On The Sea” a funereal tone; tinny keyboard arpeggios and a steady, metronome-like beat drive the cozy lullaby “Lazuli”; and “Wishes” boasts an ’80s-style synth sheen and drum pulse which conjures—stay with us here—Cyndi Lauper’s tender ’80s ballad “All Through The Night.”

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“Lazuli”